Starting May 2, 2025, PAL will launch Cebu’s first direct flights to Ho Chi Minh City, operating three times a week.
This taps into the rising demand for Vietnam travel, with 216,000 Filipinos visiting in 2024, making it their 9th most popular international destination.
Management’s view
“We are pleased to expand Philippine Airlines’ footprint in Vietnam, our next-door neighbor and fellow ASEAN member country, through our new service linking Ho Chi Minh City to Cebu for the very first time,” said PAL president and chief operating officer Capt. Stanley K. Ng.
Vietnamese welcomed to the Queen City of the South
“We look forward to boosting tourism, strengthening Cebu’s position as the nation’s emerging business and leisure gateway, and building on the strong and friendly relations between Vietnam and the Philippines,” Ng said.
“We are excited to invite Vietnamese tourists and business people to take the short hop to Cebu to discover the wonders of our islands and enjoy the warm hospitality of our people,” he added.
Key details
PAL said the Cebu-Ho Chi Minh City flights depart from Mactan-Cebu International Airport every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
The return PAL service departs from Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.
The pioneer PAL service will be flown with Airbus A321 jetliners, which accommodate 199 passengers offering both business and economy seating.
Timing ideal for flight connections
“The early morning arrivals in Cebu allow passengers to connect smoothly not only to PAL’s domestic destinations but also its Cebu-Osaka and Cebu-Tokyo Narita nonstop flights, making Mactan-Cebu a convenient transfer hub for Vietnamese travelers,” the flag carrier said.
What’s next?
Because of strong demand, PAL is also beefing up the Manila-Hanoi-Manila flights to a daily service, up from the current five times weekly, starting April 1, 2025.
Miguel R. Camus has been a reporter covering various domestic business topics since 2009.
